Head-to-head reliability
Mercedes BENZ SLC Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Mercedes BENZ SLC Class and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Mercedes BENZ SLC Class vs Chevrolet Silverado: the SLC has 8 complaints over 4 years (2 per year) and 0 recalls, while the Silverado has 8,227 complaints over 10 years (about 823 per year) and 101 recalls. The Silverado also reports 233 crash-related complaints, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; the SLC reports none. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Mercedes BENZ SLC Class or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Mercedes BENZ SLC Class
The Mercedes-Benz SLC Class is a low-volume two-seat roadster with very few complaints on record—8 over 4 years, or about 2 per year—and no recalls. The complaints that do exist point to occasional electrical glitches, a roof panel that detached at speed, and an engine fault causing smoke and hesitation. With such sparse data, it's hard to call it a pattern, but the reports suggest that when something goes wrong, it can be serious and costly.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup with a massive complaint volume—8,227 over 10 years, averaging about 823 per year—plus 101 recalls and reports of 233 crashes, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths. Owners frequently report engine and power-train failures, electrical problems that can cut engine power or braking, and brake issues. The sheer number of reports means you're far more likely to encounter a problem, and some of the reported failures happen while driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Mercedes BENZ SLC Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 8 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 0 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 0 Better | 233 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 2.0 Better | 822.7 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 3 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Mercedes BENZ SLC Class
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
- 03ENGINE2
- 04BACK OVER PREVENTION1
- 05STRUCTURE1
Owners report recall-related communication and electrical issues, including a case where the recall remedy wasn't yet available. For a buyer, this means checking whether any open recalls have been addressed and being prepared for occasional electronic gremlins.
One owner reported the front roof panel detaching completely at highway speed, and another noted that safety warnings (lane-departure shake and blind-spot alarm) were not detectable under normal driving. These are serious safety concerns that a test drive should probe, especially roof fitment and driver-assist alerts.
A 2019 SLC with only 42,000 miles showed a check engine light, heavy exhaust smoke, and hesitation, with a fault code pointing to a specific engine issue. This suggests that even low-mileage examples can develop engine problems that affect drivability and safety.
The backup camera failed to display randomly several times in one report. While not a mechanical failure, a non-working camera makes parking and reversing harder and could lead to a preventable collision.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ SLC300. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V058000 (COMMUNICATION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MERCEDES-BENZ…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverados report engine shutdowns while driving, excessive diesel soot accumulation requiring dealer service, and engine problems that left a family stranded far from home. These are not minor annoyances—they can leave you without power on the road.
Complaints include a truck suddenly shifting into neutral in a parking garage and a 6.2L model with engine/power-train trouble shortly after purchase. A transmission that drops out of gear unexpectedly is a serious safety risk.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking (firm pedal but poor stopping) and the engine shutting off while driving with a 'Return to Neutral' message. These electrical faults can disable critical systems, making the truck dangerous to drive.
Owners report braking effectiveness dropping sharply and, in one case, the truck shutting off completely with no throttle response in a parking lot. Brake problems of this kind demand immediate attention and should be a key inspection point.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Mercedes BENZ SLC Class
No recalls on record.
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Mercedes BENZ SLC Class or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Mercedes-Benz SLC Class has far fewer issues per year—about 2 complaints annually versus roughly 823 for the Silverado—and no recalls versus 101. In practice, that means a Silverado buyer is statistically much more likely to face a reported problem, including serious ones like engine shutdown or brake loss, while SLC problems, though rare, can still be severe.
Key differences
- Complaint volume: SLC averages 2 per year; Silverado averages about 823 per year, a massive difference in reported problem frequency.
- Recalls: SLC has 0 recalls on record; Silverado has 101, covering fuel pumps, tire pressure monitoring, and forward-collision warnings.
- Serious outcomes: Silverado complaints include 233 crash-related reports, 160 injuries, and 3 deaths; SLC has 0 in each category.
- Failure types: SLC reports include a roof panel detaching and engine smoke/hesitation; Silverado reports include engine shutdowns, sudden neutral shifts, and brake loss while driving.
- Inspect the roof panel fitment and operation, and ask whether any recall or service action related to the roof or electrical system has been performed.
- On a test drive, verify the backup camera displays reliably and check that lane-departure and blind-spot warnings actually trigger; also watch for exhaust smoke or hesitation.
- Check for open recalls (especially fuel pump control and forward-collision warning) and confirm they were remedied; ask for service records related to engine and transmission repairs.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, sudden loss of power, transmission slipping or neutral engagement, and brake pedal feel; have a mechanic scan for stored codes.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm all open recalls are closed before purchase.
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and maintenance records, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a independent mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for diagnostic trouble codes.
- Test-drive at highway speed and in stop-and-go traffic, checking for smoke, hesitation, warning lights, and proper brake function.
- For the SLC, manually inspect the roof panel and test all driver-assist alerts; for the Silverado, test the backup camera and infotainment screens.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Mercedes BENZ SLC Class | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 868 |
| 2019 | 1 | 2003 |
| 2018 | 1 | 597 |
| 2017 | 4 | 1154 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Mercedes BENZ SLC Class or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Mercedes BENZ SLC Class vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Mercedes BENZ SLC Class total complaints
- 8
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Mercedes BENZ SLC Class total recalls
- 0
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Mercedes BENZ SLC Class avg complaints/year
- 2.0
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Mercedes BENZ SLC Class
- Mercedes BENZ SLC Class top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE